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Freeview
When the Digital Switchover has been completed in 2012, and the old analogue signal has been turned off, every household will have digital television. There are lots of ways in which you can receive the digital signal, but the cheapest is Freeview, where you make a one-off payment and then have access to all the original terrestrial channels, plus all the new free-to-view digital ones.
Freeview is the range of non-subscription digital channels and radio stations that will replace the current terrestrial channels we all get through an aerial. After your area has switched over to digital you won’t be able to watch analogue channels, so at the very least you’ll have to get a Freeview box if you want to keep up with your favourite soaps. Freeview is the cheapest way to continue watching as you make only a one-off payment for your hardware with no monthly subscription.
Why should I get it?
If you want to keep watching TV after the switchover but don’t want to commit to a contract and a monthly subscription then you have to get Freeview. As well as being able to watch all the current terrestrial channels - BBC1, BBC2, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 - you’ll receive a growing number of digital-only channels and radio.
Depending on the hardware you buy, you might even be able to send emails via your TV, or do online shopping. The interactive facilities of digital TV are always increasing so keep a look out for new services.
What do I need?
Firstly, you have to live in a Freeview area. Do a Postcode Search to see if you are.
Next, you need to have the right hardware for receiving the digital signal. You can buy a Freeview box from as little as £20 which you then simply plug into the back of your TV and enjoy. If you have an older TV without a scart connection you can get Freeview boxes with a RF modulator and output to connect to the RF socket on your TV, but you’ll have to check with your retailer as only a few boxes are set up this way. RF Modulator adaptors are also available to convert a scart connection to an RF socket.
Digital recorders are also set up to receive Freeview. VCRs won’t work in the same way once your area has switched over, so you might want to invest in a digital recorder instead. They allow you to record programmes onto their internal memory, pause and even rewind “live” television.
If you’re in need of a new TV you could opt for a digitally enabled one with Freeview built in - you just bring it home, plug it in and that’s it.
All digital subscription packages come with a digital signal receiver and include the range of Freeview channels as standard.
BT Total Broadband customers can also access Freeview over broadband by getting BT Vision (www.BTVision.bt.com) - BT’s free, no-contract TV service which also has optional pay-to-view add-ons and subscription services. But you will still have to live in a Freeview area.
How much does it cost?
This depends on how you want to receive it. Freeview boxes start at around £20 and costs go up to more than £1,000 for some HD ready, integrated digital TVs, so the choice is really up to you. If you go for a subscription your hardware will probably be free but you’ll be tied into a contract and have to pay a monthly fee.
To compare Freeview against other digital TV suppliers click here, or to see what channels you get with Freeview, click on a package in our Price Comparison Calculator.
